Business calendar

Sept. 3: A forum for Chico City Council candidates is planned by the Chico Chamber of Commerce. Details: 7:30 to 9 a.m. at the Chico Community Center, 545 Vallombrosa Ave. The event is free, but reservations are required because of limited seating. 891-5556. Each candidate will offer opening statements, and participate in a moderated discussion. There will be an opportunity for audience questions. Refreshments will be provided.

Sept. 3: A workshop for start-up and new businesses is planned by the Small Business Development Center at Butte College. Details: 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. every Wednesday through Sept. 24 at the center, 2480 Notre Dame Blvd., Chico. Cost: $50 prepaid, $60 at the door. Reservations: 895-9017. Topics include legal requirements, market and cost analysis, funding and business plans.

Sept. 9: "Introduction to Government Contracting" is planned by the Small Business Development Center at Butte College. Details: 9 a.m. to noon at 202 Mira Loma Dr., Oroville (behind Butte Community Employment Center). Cost: free. Reservations required: 895-9017. A step-by-step process for contracting with the government. Topics: Federal, state and local government requirements, certification process, qualifications and e-commerce.

Sept. 10: The Employer Advisory Council in the Yuba-Sutter area will host a program about business insurance needs and Covered California. Details: 1 p.m. at the Sutter County One Stop, 950 Tharp Road, Yuba City. There is no cost to attend the meeting, and guests are welcome. Info: Kimerli Rempp, 530-315-8990 or www.ceac.org Insurance agents Wendy Zapada and Chuck Jones will be speaking.

Sept. 16: "SBA Fianncing Options for Your Small Start-up Business" will be offered by the Small Business Development Center at Butte College. Details: 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Business Connection, 332 Pine St., Red Bluff. Cost: free. Reservations: 895-9017. The U.S. Small Business Administration offers a variety of loan guaranteed programs for start-up businesses. Topics include guarantee programs, requirements, applications, loan types, and tips.

Sept. 18: "Using QuickBooks Everyday/QuickBooks Basics II" will be offered by the Small Business Development Center at Butte College. Details: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Butte College Glenn County Center, 604 E. Walker St., Orland. Cost: $50 prepaid, $60 at the door. The workshop focuses on working with lists, bank accounts, using other account types, sales information, receiving payments and making deposits, among others. The trainer is a certified public accountant and QuickBooks ProAdvisor.

Sept. 23: The 16th annual Women in Business Conference is planned by the Small Business Development Center at Butte College. Details: 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Chico Masonic Family Center, 1110 W. East Ave. Chico. Cost: Until Sept. 19 $110: after and at the door, $125. Info: 895-9017. The theme is "Business Development, Growth and Success in the New Normal." Several speakers will address the theme with keynote programs and breakout sessions. The annual Market Place, with local women in business, returns.

Sept. 25: Chico Business Group will host internationally known speaker Craig Weber of Weber Consulting Group. Details: 8:30 a.m. to noon at Chico Community Center, 545 Vallombrosa Ave. Cost: $95 regular, $45 nonprofits. Register at www.raceplanner.com/register/index/CBGfall14 Weber will be talking about "Building Successful Teams that Perform when Pressure is On."

Sept. 30: "Introduction to Search Engine Optimization" will be offered by the Small Business Development Center at Butte College. Details: 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the center, 2480 Notre Dame Blvd. Chico. Cost: $40 prepaid, $50 at the door. 895-9017. Search engine optimization is the process of getting a website noticed by search engines. Topics include site maps, Google developer tools, Google Analytics and more. For businesses with website tools and/or presence.